Abstract: A molded animal chew toy or pet treat that is formed by molding of textured vegetable protein (TVP). The TVP may include fibrous material and may be combined with a resin (binder) and a plasticizer and formed by a heating molding machine, such as an injection molding or extrusion operation. The resin and plasticizer content may be selected to optimize the molding process.

Abstract: An animal chew for an animal, comprising a body having a first outer shape and comprising a first relatively less durable composition, the shape including an opening extending at least part way through the body; a holder having a second shape and comprising a second material, the second material comprising a relatively more durable polymer, the second shape including a shaft portion complementary in shape to the opening in the body to provide an interference fit. The relatively more durable composition of the holder is characterized as having one or more of a variety of features that characterize the more durable composition with respect to the chewing behavior of an animal.

Abstract: A method of relatively rapidly and uniformly extracting moisture from an animal chew having an edible composition is provided. Process cycle time and scrap levels may be reduced and the level of uniformity in the animal chew may be improved by including one or more openings selectively sized and positioned in the chew prior to drying.

Abstract: An animal chew including a body and an end assembly. The body may include a first rotating mechanical fastener. The end assembly may be removably affixed to the body and may include a nut, an end knob and a resilient member. The nut may include a second rotating mechanical fastener and a first coupling feature. The end knob may include an opening defined in a first end wherein at least a portion of the nut is received, the opening defined by a side wall and an end wall, including a structure in the side wall to retain the nut. The end knob may also include a second coupling feature to engage the first coupling feature of the nut. A resilient member may bias the first and second coupling features in a disengaged configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible/foldable structure that may include a top roof and a bottom platform. A pair of sidewalls may be provided each of which may be pivotally attached to the roof. The sidewalls may include at least two side section such as an upper and middle section. The sidewalls may also include a lower side section. The upper and middle sections may be pivotally attached to one another and the middle and lower side section may be pivotally attached to one another so that the upper and middle sidewall sections can be pivoted inwardly towards the bottom platform to provide a collapsed condition. The sidewalls may also each contain an outer and an inner surface thereof wherein the outer surface of the upper side wall and the outer surface of the adjacent middle side wall form an angle that is greater than 180 degrees when the structure is in an expanded or collapsed condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an animal chew including a resin and a method of direct injection molding the animal chew using a modified screw. The screw may incorporate, for example, additional flights or a larger transition zone. The formed resin may exhibit voids of about 1-100 ?m in diameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an animal chew including a resin and a method of direct injection molding the animal chew using a modified screw. The screw may incorporate, for example, additional flights or a larger transition zone. Additionally, the particle size of the resin may be less than 2000 microns.

Abstract: A woven chew toy for animals is provided including one or more of edible resins, such as rawhide, meat jerky, starch and combinations thereof in strip form interwoven together to provide a planar article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for molding a pet toy having one or more fabric inserts molded into a portion of the surface of the toy. The mold may comprise a cover plate, a cavity plate and a separator plate, the cavity plate including one or more projections and the separator plate including one or more complementary-shaped openings such that pieces of fabric placed on the projections may have skirt areas engaged by the engagement of the separator plate to the cavity plate. The fabric may stretch when the mold is filled with rubber or plastic to form discrete fabric-covered areas on the toy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enriched fish food product comprising a binder resin and a fermented soy nutraceutical. Optionally the nutraceutical may contain enzymes or coenzymes. Also, the enriched fish food product may be formed by mixing a resin with the fermented soy nutraceutical in a heated molding machine and subjecting said product to a variety of size reduction processes. For example, the fish food product may be provided in the form of a flake.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a multi-layer pet treat or animal chew comprising the indexing of a moveable mold portion into alignment with the first of a plurality of stationary mold portions fed a first composition by a first injection molding unit to form a first layer in a cavity space formed by the aligned mold portions. The moveable mold portion and the first layer may be indexed to align with a second of a plurality of stationary mold portions fed a second composition by a second injection molding unit to form a second layer over said first in the cavity space formed by the aligned mold portion. The compositions fed by the first and second injection molding units may both be edible. In a further aspect, multi-component pet treats may be provided formed from two materials which may be different in physical, optical, sensual, nutritional or compositional properties. One of the materials may specifically include textured vegetable protein.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to seed as may be employed to grow a lawn and more particularly, to grass seed which is imparted with a color which allows it to be relatively easily observed and distinguished within the environment in which it may be distributed. The user may then confirm, among other things, the presence of absence of seed distribution and the uniformity or non-uniformity of any such distribution on a given surface. The color may also promote germination and the colorant may include other additives to improve growth patterns at desired locations.

Abstract: The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, relates a method of manufacturing an animal chew by molding two body portions of a first material each having at least one concave surface and one or more through holes, attaching the two portions together such that the concave surfaces face one another to form a hollow body portion, injecting a second material into the hollow body portion to fill at least a portion of the hollow body and form areas of exposed regions of the second material by filling the one or more through holes. In a second exemplary embodiment, the two portions may have the concave surfaces over-molded with a second material which fills the one or more through holes. In a third exemplary embodiment, a separate shape of a second material may be molded in a configuration having dimensions complementary to the two half portion and holes when the portions are combined.

Abstract: A toy for an animal is provided which comprises a covering of a first polymeric composition; a core of a second polymeric composition which is harder than the first polymeric composition. The core comprises a first member having a first member longitudinal axis connected with a second member having a second member longitudinal axis, wherein the first member is pivotable relative to the second member longitudinal axis and the second member pivotable relative to the first member longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A device for retrieving animal feces including a handle portion and a scoop and/or rake portion having a surface. The scoop and/or rake portion contacts the feces for removal, and a portion of the surface of the scoop and/or rake portion includes a coating, wherein the coating exhibits a coefficient of friction (?) of less than or equal to 1.0 and a contact angle of 90° or greater.

Abstract: A woven chew toy for animals is provided including one or more of edible resins, such as rawhide, meat jerky, starch and combinations thereof in strip form interwoven together to provide a planar article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for molding a pet toy having one or more fabric inserts molded into a portion of the surface of the toy. The mold may comprise a cover plate, a cavity plate and a separator plate, the cavity plate including one or more projections and the separator plate including one or more complementary-shaped openings such that pieces of fabric placed on the projections may have skirt areas engaged by the engagement of the separator plate to the cavity plate. The fabric may stretch when the mold is filled with rubber or plastic to form discrete fabric-covered areas on the toy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic device and method for disposing of animal waste. The device and method utilizes an absorbent pad that is automatically advanced and seals upon itself with an adhesive and/or projections to prevent excrement and odors from exiting the roll.

Abstract: A dermatological composition which may be used for the topical treatment of the skin, hair, or nails of mammals, comprising tamanu oil, an unsaturated fatty acid, and arnica oil, optionally including Vitamins E and A. The dermatological composition may be combined with other components to form a shampoo, conditioner, lotion, cream, spray, salve, or other cosmetic product in liquid, paste, or powder form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a base including fabric elements extending from the base. The fabric elements may be positioned in a channel within the base. A locking relationship may be formed between the base and the fabric. Furthermore, the base may be provided so that the fabric elements may be removable from the base.